Premier League - AVB: Chiriches agent out of order

Andre Villas-Boas was incensed by a suggestion from Vlad Chiriches' representative that the defender only moved to Tottenham with a view to impressing Chelsea, insisting the club are "not a stepping stone to anybody".

The north Londoners won the race for the highly-rated 23-year-old late in the summer transfer window, forking out £8.5million to acquire the centre-back from Steaua Bucharest.

Chiriches has impressed in his fleeting appearances for Spurs so far, with fans voting him man of the match in Thursday's 2-0 Europa League win at Anzhi Makhachkala.

Those supporters will, though, have been less than enamoured by comments made by the Romania international's representative.

Victor Becali suggested Chelsea would be willing to pay a large sum for Chiriches if he settles well in England over the next two years, saying Blues boss Jose Mourinho has been aware of the centre-back since his time as Real Madrid coach.

Having seen Luka Modric and Gareth Bale exit White Hart Lane in recent times, Villas-Boas was understandably angered by the remarks.

"Obviously the comments are completely disproportionate and out of reality," the Portuguese said.

"I have spoken to the player, told the player to speak to the agent and we have acted accordingly.

"We consider ourselves a big club. We're not a stepping stone to anybody.

"We don't expect Becali to retract himself because it is not part of his character, but it was completely out of proportion the comments that he made."